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The Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power in Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg) and overthrew the Provisional Government to establish the Soviet government. -
Sailors stationed at the Kronstadt naval base revolted against the Soviet government, demanding greater political freedom and an end to the war communism policies. The rebellion was brutally suppressed by the Red Army. -
The NEP was introduced, allowing limited free market activities and private ownership to revive the Soviet economy after the devastation of the Russian Civil War. A shift took place from war communism towards a mixed economy. -
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was officially formed, consolidating several Soviet republics into a single socialist state. Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Transcaucasian Federation were among the founding members. -
Sergei Kirov, a prominent Soviet politician and close associate of Stalin was assassinated in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg). This event served as a pretext for Stalin to initiate further purges and consolidate his power. -
The Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed a non-aggression pact, so that the two countries could divide Eastern Europe. This agreement provided Hitler with a free hand to invade Poland, triggering the start of World War II. -
Nazi Germany launched a massive invasion of the Soviet Union, breaking the non-aggression pact. The attack marked the beginning of the Eastern Front of World War II, resulting in huge destruction and loss of life. -
The Soviet Union successfully repelled the German forces during the Battle of Moscow which was a turning point in the war. It marked the first major German defeat and boosted Soviet morale, signaling a shift in the conflict. -
The Soviet Union, along with its Allies celebrated Victory Day as Nazi Germany officially surrendered, bringing an end to World War II in Europe. The Soviet Union suffered tremendous losses but played a crucial role in defeating Hitler. -
After three decades in power, Joseph Stalin, the General Secretary of the Communist Party and de facto leader of the USSR passed away. His death put the end of an era and started a period of de-Stalinization under his successors.